Applications are now open for the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2027, one of the world’s leading global awards recognizing innovative solutions that promote sustainability and improve lives. The award ceremony will take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in January 2027.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize celebrates organizations, innovators, and schools that are developing impactful solutions in areas such as health, food, energy, water, and climate action. The program also includes a Global High Schools category designed to inspire young leaders working on sustainability projects.
Finalists selected for the prize will be invited to attend the award ceremony in Abu Dhabi, with all travel expenses covered, including flights, accommodation, and local transportation. Winners will also receive significant prize funding to scale their solutions.
The application process is completely free, and applicants from all nationalities are eligible to apply.
Below are the key details about the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2027.
Zayed Sustainability Prize 2027 – Overview
- Host Country: United Arab Emirates
- Location: Abu Dhabi
- Organizer: Zayed Sustainability Prize
- Award Ceremony: January 2027
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 15 June 2026
Financial Benefits
Finalists invited to the award ceremony will receive:
- Round-trip airfare tickets
- Hotel accommodation
- Local transportation
- No application fee
In addition, category winners will receive substantial financial awards to expand their sustainability projects.
Prize Categories
The Zayed Sustainability Prize recognizes outstanding contributions in six major categories:
1. Health
Solutions that improve access to healthcare and medical services.
2. Food
Innovations aimed at addressing food insecurity and strengthening food systems.
3. Energy
Projects that provide reliable and sustainable energy solutions for communities.
4. Water
Initiatives that improve access to safe and clean drinking water.
5. Climate Action
Solutions that support climate adaptation, mitigation, and environmental protection.
6. Global High Schools
Projects led by students that promote sustainability and environmental awareness.
Prize Value
Each category offers significant funding:
- Health: $1,000,000
- Food: $1,000,000
- Energy: $1,000,000
- Water: $1,000,000
- Climate Action: $1,000,000
Global High Schools Category
- Total prize fund: $900,000
- Up to $150,000 will be awarded to one school in each of the six global regions
Eligible Regions
Applicants from the following regions are eligible to apply:
- The Americas
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Middle East & North Africa
- Europe & Central Asia
- South Asia
- East Asia & Pacific
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on three key factors:
1. Innovation (40%)
- The solution must be new or significantly improve existing solutions.
- Demonstrate technical and commercial feasibility.
- Show potential for large-scale adoption.
2. Impact (30%)
- Demonstrate positive impact on communities and quality of life.
- Address major social, environmental, or economic challenges.
- Show strong governance, organizational resilience, and operational capability.
3. Inspiration (30%)
- Reflect the values of sustainability and human development.
- Inspire others to adopt sustainable practices.
- Promote the legacy of Sheikh Zayed’s vision for sustainability.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit their applications through the official Zayed Sustainability Prize online portal.
Applicants are allowed to apply in only one category, so it is important to choose the category that best fits your project or innovation.
Check other opportunities:
Immigrate to Canada as a Foreign Military Recruit (2026 Express Entry)
Study in Norway 2026–2027 Without IELTS: Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
Scholarships to Study in Africa (Fully Funded Opportunities)
Study in the UK from Home: Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2026
